A new study published online on Nov. 25 in Menopause reveals that a significant number of women aged 60 and above use sex toys to improve sexual pleasure, particularly during masturbation.

The research — led by Jessica J. Hille, Ph.D., of Indiana University — surveyed 3,001 women aged 60 years and older across the United States. The goal was to better understand sexual behavior, orgasm patterns, and the use of sexual aids among older women, an area often overlooked in mainstream health discussions.

The study found that sex toy use was far more common during masturbation than during partnered sex. Nearly 46.4 percent of women who masturbated at least once in the past year said they "almost always" or "always" used sex toys during masturbation. In contrast, only 5.1 percent reported such frequent use during partnered sexual activity.

Importantly, women who regularly used sex toys during masturbation were significantly more likely to report consistent orgasms than those who used them infrequently. The trend was similar among women who engaged in partnered sex: 38.7 percent said they used sex toys at least occasionally with a partner, and those who used them frequently also reported higher orgasm frequency.

Experts say the findings highlight a crucial but often neglected aspect of women’s health.

Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, noted that widespread misconceptions about female anatomy and sexual function contribute to challenges in achieving orgasm.

“Lack of understanding of female anatomy, the sexual response cycle, and underlying factors resulting in orgasm is common among both older and younger women,” she said. “By initiating conversations around sexuality in routine health care encounters, health professionals can destigmatize the topic and provide valuable instruction on how to achieve an orgasm.”

The study underscores the ongoing need for open, stigma-free conversations about sexual health — especially for older women, who often face societal taboos around aging and sexuality.